Friday, April 08, 2011

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Just another "teaser".

I still really like the current Malibu, so it does feel a little weird to see a new one. And I always liked the current interior as well.The only thing it was missing is a navigation option. It looks like the days of GM trying to convince us that their "turn to turn" navigation Onstar based system is as good as a GPS are over...

And it also looks like they are really pushing the interior design in this next version. Let's hope it all works together, and doesn't end up looking like a mess.

With similar engines, it looks like one of the new Malibu's main competition will be the Buick Regal. They will basically be the same car with different designs. Using the same platform and powertrains.

12 comments:

I can only hope they've given up on the fugly two-tone interior design scheme that paired rust with black and was one of only two choices, the other being shades of camel/brown. If you wanted a silver car and plain gray or black interior, you were out of luck, at least in the top-line series.

Is this going to be a 2012 Malibu or 2013? I have seen several places report the next gen malibu as 2012 or 2013.. anyone know for sure? Also, any definite word on when these go on sale? I have have heard Fall 2011 and also Jan 2012.

How it works out for them???? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this rebadge engineering the same thing that got them in trouble in the first place? I guess they have less brands this time around. I still think, the Regal should be the lowest model in the Buick lineup. With this new Verano coming out, that will be taking sales away from the Malibu as well. But I must say, the interior of the new Malibu is looking really nice. I wish them luck.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this rebadge engineering the same thing that got them in trouble in the first place?"

It's called "badge engineering" not "rebadge engineering" and yes, you're wrong because that isn't what this is. This is called "platform sharing" because the cars are completely different inside and out. Platform engineering is what everyone does, from the Audi R8/Lamborghini Gallardo to the 5 Series sedan and X5. It's what automakers have to so so they don't need to start from scratch with every car.

The Pathfinder/Lexus GX is an example of badge engineering because the Lexus is just a cheaply tarted-up toyota.

So far I like this car a lot. I still don't like the horizontal trim piece on the passenger side dash but with ambieance lighting, it's not so bad. I really hope they do the 2.0 DI turbo with all wheel drive thing.

Anonymous said, "orrect me if I'm wrong, but isn't this rebadge engineering the same thing that got them in trouble in the first place?"

No, this is not badge engineering.

Badge engineering would be taking a Buick Regal and slapping new badge/grill on it and calling it a Chevy.

This is "Platform Sharing" which is totally different. The cars MAY share the same chassis, suspension, power train but the exterior bodies and even the interiors are totally different. Beyond that, the manufacturer can tune the chassis to have a very different behavior when driven.

Based on what we've seen of the new 'Bu, it has none of the styling cues of the Regal. The only similarity is the size of the cars.

looks like the Lexus ES center-dash but on Chevy's budget. I'd prefer they built on the Cruze's interior design which built on the current malibu's interior. I'm not a fan of all the knobs but I think this'll look better in real life.